Russia spreads disinformation about the “Rebuilding” of Mariupol
Russian propaganda has launched a disinformation campaign regarding the reconstruction of the destroyed city of Mariupol.
In particular, special attention is drawn to fake reports about the rebuilding of the Mariupol Drama Theater, which was damaged by airstrikes in March 2022.
Propaganda media actively publish materials that supposedly confirm the theater’s restoration, involving foreign journalists who collaborate with the Russian authorities.
The goal of this campaign is to create the illusion of active development in Ukrainian territories under Russian control.
At the same time, the real situation in the occupied cities of Donbas is extremely grim—most remain in ruins, and residents lack basic services.
In Mariupol, residents are reporting widespread ongoing problems, including the loss of housing and the absence of compensation for destroyed apartments. Although Moscow announced a reconstruction program, its true aim is to consolidate control over the region through a new migration policy and to replace the local population with new residents.
Residents of occupied Mariupol report that most of the city remains in ruins. According to local pro-Russian Telegram channels, Russian occupiers are preparing the city for a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
